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Tag Archives: Joan Tarmey

Inis Cealtra centre a ‘catalyst’ for East Clare tourism

THE business community of East Clare has been urged to seize the opportunities offered by the development of the Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience centre in Mountshannon.  At a briefing last Wednesday for members of the Killaloe Municipal District, Tourism Officer Joan Tarmey described the centre as “a catalyst project” which will drive regeneration of the village, its hinterland and the wider East Clare area.  “This is a really ambitious tourism, conservation and village renewal project,” she said, referring to the €3.9m that will be invested on foot of a successful application to the Department of Rural and Community Development. “It will create and sustain rural employment.” Ms Tarmey noted the lack of a hotel in the village, as well as the properties currently vacant.  “Mountshannon once had hotel, but that has been closed for around ten years,” she said. “The vacant properties now represent real opportunities for businesses to renovate. There will be confidence that footfall will increase steadily. I …

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Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience brand unveiled

A BRAND identity for the Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience was unveiled this week as the landmark projects continues to advance. At the end of next month, a further funding application will be made to progress the project beyond the design stage.  The work of consultants, Design Works, was showcased at a presentation on Monday last (March 14). The brand identity focuses on the symbolism of the archways of the island’s ecclesiastical buildings and highlights the theme of transformation linked with stepping through these portals.  At the briefing, chaired by Tourism Officer Joan Tarmey, Project Manager Tom MacKey, from Tobin Consulting Engineers briefly outlined some of the work to-date. Mr MacKey coordinates a team that includes Design Works, McCullough Mulvin Architects and Tandem Partners. “We’re currently focusing on on detailed design for the re-purposing of The Old Rectory building,” he said. “In general, we’re hoping to be in a position to have a contractor on site mid-summer to start working with …

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Educating Clare schools about energy saving

Clare primary and secondary schools are being invited to participate in a course aimed at encouraging them to reduce their energy use and save money on their energy bills. The Clare Education Centre, Clare County Council and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) are collaborating to run an Energy Management Course on Monday, October 20 and Monday, November 10. Teachers have to signal their interest by 5pm this Friday. Pat Hanrahan, director of the Clare Education Centre said, “We look forward to hosting the course at our offices in Ennis. The course will see participants being guided step-by-step through the energy management process from understanding bills and energy use in the school to developing and implementing an energy saving plan. The course will also feed into the Green Schools Programme.” Clare Environmental Awareness Officer, Joan Tarmey added: “The course involves attending two half-day workshops where schools will be given access to a range of resources, online tools, expert advice and …

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Ennis estate goes green

Residents of An Sean Dún Estate in Ennis turned out in force earlier this week to officially launch a sustainability pack for all households in the estate. The eco-friendly initiative has been developed by residents in an effort to encourage householders to make small changes that deliver cost savings as well as help the environment. The sustainability pack consists of an energy monitor to encourage people to minimise energy use, a reusable shopping bag to cut down on plastic bag usage, pasta/rice measures and fruit/vegetable savers to help reduce food waste, a roll of radiator reflector foil to prevent energy wastage and water displacement devices to reduce water usage. Councillor Mary Howard, deputising as Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, commended the residents for their efforts. “I am delighted to formally launch the sustainability pack for this proactive community group.  They are certainly community leaders and are showing us all how we can reduce our environmental footprint.  It is important that we …

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Beachgoers urged to take responsibility for litter

AHEAD of what is expected to be a busy weekend at Clare’s beaches, Clare County Council is urging visitors to “Respect the Banner” by keeping Clare and its beaches litter-free. Clare has been one of the hottest spots in Ireland this week with temperatures regularly hitting 26-28c, which has resulted in a significant increase in the numbers of visitors to popular seaside resorts such as Lahinch and Kilkee. Joan Tarmey, Environmental Awareness Officer commented, “We have incredible beaches stretching along our coastline that is the envy the world over.  With these incredible assets comes a responsibility to look after and respect them.  The council is calling on people to ‘Respect the Banner’ by keeping it litter free. “The council wants to acknowledge the vast majority of diligent people visiting our beaches who ensure all empty packaging or picnic waste is taken home or alternatively deposited in the public bins provided. But we are taking this opportunity to remind people to …

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Spring growth for garden festival

By Jessica Quin THE Clare Garden Festival returns on April 27 at Ennis Showground, with organisers challenging local communities to create their own pop-up gardens. In the run-up to the festival, the organisers are launching a calendar of community events and competitions to get gardeners geared up for the big day. In 2014 Clare Garden Festival will keep its educational character offering talks and demonstrations provided by reputable national speakers from the Horticultural and Gardening World and it will also again feature its popular large-scale garden and food fair. “Following a hugely successful Clare Garden Festival in 2013,  featuring a garden  and food, with over 60 stallholders from all over Ireland and attracting over 1500 visitors, we are delighted to welcome the festival back”. said Bernard Hanrahan, chairman of Co Clare Agricultural Show Society. “Our focus at Clare Garden Festival in 2014 is community, meaning the community of Ennis and Clare and, of course , the community of gardeners throughout Ireland. …

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